Erasing Flash on Bootup Using a USB Connection

[Jack_Gerbs]

I have a unit that is not working properly and want to erease the flash and TFTP a new image to the device. It is a 20C and only has a USB interface. How can I erase the flash on this and install a new image? Typically I break the boot process on serial units but the USB interface does not appear to let me watch the boot process to perform this task. Thanks, Jack

[Dave_Hall]

FortiExplorer v2.2 build 1046 or later is suppose to allow you to connect to the USB serial console and watch/break into the BIOS start up boot options. Are you connecting to the USB serial console then rebooting the 20C?

[Peter_Gilbert]

I' ve tried this so many times on a 20C that i don' t know the password too... i cannot see any prompt where i can press any key to break the sequence. It looks like FortiExplorer just takes too long to connect as the 20C seems like it' s already up but then i see the reset button... i simply held it down w/ a paperclip and the 20C reset itself to factory defaults... good enough for me!

[Dave_Hall]

i simply held it down w/ a paperclip and the 20C reset itself to factory defaults... good enough

Welcome to the forums, Peter. There is a later, similar thread (I recall the OP had a corrupted flash disk), in which we discussed the actual FortiExplorer boot menu process (as outlined in the FortiExplorer documentation) and I actually attempted to use it on my Wifi 40C -- conclusion is as same as your own findings -- not enough time given in the boot sequence (in the FortiExplorer console) to actual interrupted the boot process to break into the boot menu. Don' t recall if that person ever responded back on what he finally did to resolve the issue (such as resetting the fgt by the pinhole).

[Alivo__FTNT]

Hi, have a look here: http://208.91.113.73/fgt/sysadmin/Using_the_USB_MGMT_console_port.pdf This applies to devices such as 20C, 40C, 40D, 60D and likely other " D' s"